Spatial development of the Russian Federation, reducing the share of rural residents in the country's population, supporting rural areas with a relatively low level of socio-economic development and creation of jobs in these areas

The Federal Law № 264-FL of 29.12.2006, as amended on 23.07.2013 № 236-FL, established the legal basis for the implementation of state socio-economic policy in the field of agricultural development, as an economic activity for the production of agricultural products, provision of services in order to provide the population with Russian food products, and industry with agricultural raw materials as well as promote sustainable development of rural and relevant inter-settlement territories. Among the main directions of state support in the sphere of agricultural development and sustainable development of rural areas, it has been established for agricultural producers who grow agricultural products in areas unfavourable for such production, and where, due to natural, climatic or soil conditions, and socio-economic factors, the level of income of agricultural producers is lower than the average for agriculture, but agricultural production must be carried out to ensure employment and income for the rural population, and preserve local traditions. The goals of the state socio-economic policy in the field of agricultural development have been proclaimed, but implementation is far from being achieved. For example, the level of profitability for all activities of agricultural organizations without subsidies from budgets of all levels (first number) and with subsidies on average for 2018-2022 (second number) amounted to -31.16% and -4.16% in the Zabaikalsky Krai, -15.98% and +1.32% in the Primorsky Krai, -2.92% and +2.84% in Smolensk region, and -0.72% and +4.8% in Tver region, respectively. At the same time, these indicators were +30.02% and +34.92% in Volgograd region, +27.98% and +34.2% in Samara region, +29.48% and +33.02% in Altai region, +26.46% and +28.98% in Rostov region, +25.82% and +29.96% in Kursk region, +24.08% and +25.98% in Krasnodar region, and +13.62% and +18.54% on average in Russia. The need for a differentiated approach to the development of various territories, taking into account the demographic situation, features of the settlement system, and specific natural conditions while supporting territories with a relatively low level of socio-economic development is indicated once again in the Strategy for Spatial Development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 with a forecast up to 2035, approved by the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 28.12.2024 № 4146-r. In general, the state support for agricultural producers engaged in the production of agricultural products in areas unfavorable for such production, employment for the rural population to increase income level, using indicators of the rent intensity of agricultural land and the profitability of agricultural production are considered in this article.